Screens inserted in doors, windows, and patio enclosures are incredibly convenient and are essential at keeping insects out while trying to enjoy the outdoors. While we’re still in the middle of winter, there’s no better time to start making plans to get ready for warmer temperatures. They’re right around the corner!

But before you have screens installed in your home, you should take the time to identify the types of screens available, and what’s best suited for your home and your needs. Screens come in all sorts of materials, but perhaps the more common materials are aluminum and fiberglass. Let’s take a closer look at the two, as well as other factors, to help you decide which is best for your situation.

Fiberglass

Standard fiberglass screens are made of vinyl-coated fiberglass threads. The benefit over aluminum is that they don’t crease as much and are more flexible. As such, they’re easier to install in an aluminum frame. However, the downside is that they are more opaque compared to aluminum screening.

Aluminum

Screening made from aluminum comes in a variety of finishes and is the least opaque material to use. The downside to aluminum, however, is that it can dent and crease rather easily and can oxidize when exposed to a lot of moisture.

Specialty Screening

While standard screening is widely available and quite popular, you also have the option to go with specialty screening. The advantages to these models are vast, and include the following:

• Extra-heavy
• Pet-resistant
• Blocks as much as 90% of solar heat
• Non-corroding

Sizing

Standard door and window screens come in mesh sizes of 18×16, which means there are 18 strands per inch going in one direction, with 16 strands going in the other. While this standard size screen may be used on a porch, a mesh size of 18×14 utilizes wire that’s a bit larger in diameter, is more durable, and spans across larger door and window openings. For areas where tiny insects are in abundance, you may want to consider opting for a 20×20 mesh to keep even the most minuscule insects out of your space.

Custom Screens and Frames

If your window and door openings are not of standard sizes, you would be well advised to have your screens custom-made and fitted by the professionals in the industry, such as Doctor Screen. With the convenient mobile screening trailers that Doctor Screen distributors bring to our customers’ homes and businesses, we can have a meticulously-measured and perfectly-fitting screen installed seamlessly in all your door and window openings.

Call your local Doctor Screen distributor today to have your door and window screens fitted and installed in your home before the warm season rolls around!